1967 Chevy Nova Window Frames - The Perfect Frame

An Easy Fix For Rusted Out Nova Window Frames

No more rusted lower window frames for early Nova lovers. With this set of high-quality reproduction channels from Chevy 2 Only, every two-door owner will be able to improve the way the car's side glass fits and seals out the elements.

As long as the glass is clean and crack free, most Bow-Tie enthusiasts take this part of their machine for granted. And when it comes to the side windows, if they go up and down relatively easy, they too are deemed okay. But what about that constant rattle at freeway speeds or the rushing sound air makes when it sneaks by the rubber weatherstripping at 70 miles per hour?

If you're an early Nova fan, and you've experienced these symptoms, the problem is severe. Chances are that the lower window frame channel is rusted through and just waiting to drop that piece of glass into the inner door well.

It's an inherent problem with '62-67 Novas that the frame channels rust from the inside out. Just because they're chrome doesn't mean they're impervious to the dreaded metal cancer. The fact is that the majority of Super Sports and two-door Sport Coupes we've seen over the years have been plagued by this situation.

3/15

Here's a graphic example of how rusted out the factory channels can become after 39 years of abuse by the elements. The problem stems from the fact that the material used to seal the glass in the channel is absorbent and doesn't fully dry before allowing the rust to take hold. The rest, as they say, is history.

There is, however, a way to repair the frame so that it's as good as new. Chevy 2 Only has reproduction lower window channels for both left and right doors of a two-door coupe. These are quality replacements that are a snap to install and will provide accurate alignment and fit.

Installation is simple and can be done with a Phillips-head screwdriver, a can of WD-40, a rubber mallet, and a sharp cutting knife. Two people will make the job easier, and the whole swap can be accomplished in a couple of hours.

We recently undertook the task and were quite impressed with the quality of the parts and the ease of installation. Follow along with this Quick Tech piece and see how simple it will be to give your little Deuce a new set of window frames.

The new channels are nicely chromed and are a virtual duplicate of the original. You may have to gently squeeze the sides of the opening together to get a more positive fit, but that should be only as a last resort. The sealing material that was included, which was made up of a mix of vinyl and rubber, came in a roll and had to be cut to length.

MORE PHOTOS

VIEW FULL GALLERY

xclose

1967 Chevy Nova Window Frames - The Perfect Frame

No more rusted lower window frames for early Nova lovers. With this set of high-quality reproduction channels from Chevy 2 Only, every two-door owner will be able to improve the way the car's side glass fits and seals out the elements.

Here's a graphic example of how rusted out the factory channels can become after 39 years of abuse by the elements. The problem stems from the fact that the material used to seal the glass in the channel is absorbent and doesn't fully dry before allowing the rust to take hold. The rest, as they say, is history.

Before attempting to remove the old window channel, we used compressed air to try and blow away as much debris as possible, with the hope that the window and frame would separate easier. Since rust flakes are still a form of metal, remember not to aim the air at another person or a nicely-painted car.

It's a sure bet that the rust has migrated to the two screws that retain the side frame to the bottom channel. Use a penetrant such as WD-40 to help loosen it. The alternative is to round out the head of the screw and be stuck using an ez-out to remove it.

With the screws removed, we used a block of wood and a small hammer to gently knock the lower channel off of the edge of the glass. It worked well and we didn't fear that the plate would break.

Once the remaining seal was broken, the rest of the channel came away from the glass with no problems.

Check out this Tech article where we install power windows on a 1971 Chevrolet Nova thanks to Electric Life's kit! Follow the highlights to see how to swap your manual windows on your 1968-1974 Nova! » Read More

Check out our step-by-step vent window rebuild on a 1969 Chevrolet El Camino to stop leaks and get your Chevy looking good as new. Tech Editor Calin Head is a master of interior restoration, and he goes in-depth in this how to. » Read More